DCS: Spitfire Mk LF IXc Discussion

[Yo-Yo]

I like this discussion... regarding the fact that the sounds used in DCS were recorded from original Mk IX using a professional rig...

[Reflected]

I like this discussion... regarding the fact that the sounds used in DCS were recorded from original Mk IX using a professional rig...

 

Recording is one thing, EQ-ing the sound and putting it in game is a different one.

 

I agree that the Spit in the video didn't sound very realistic. It has the same problem as the 109 and the Mustang. It's just too artificial somehow. Very hard to explain. It sounds less complex, and all the different overtones of a Merlin are compressed into a "moaning" sound. It sounds quite close to an unmodded IL2 FB to me. A2A did an excellent job with both the Spit and the Mustang. I'm sure they also use recorded samples, it's just the way these samples are implemented that is different, giving a much more realistic result.

[Yo-Yo]

Recording is one thing, EQ-ing the sound and putting it in game is a different one.

 

I agree that the Spit in the video didn't sound very realistic. It has the same problem as the 109 and the Mustang. It's just too artificial somehow. Very hard to explain. It sounds less complex, and all the different overtones of a Merlin are compressed into a "moaning" sound. It sounds quite close to an unmodded IL2 FB to me. A2A did an excellent job with both the Spit and the Mustang. I'm sure they also use recorded samples, it's just the way these samples are implemented that is different, giving a much more realistic result.

 

You are definitely right. The real world sound theatre has a lot of reflections with complex characteristics depending on a lot of parameters. This sound field can not be modelled fully in the game because of enormous processor loading. But it is not a matter of EQ, anyway...it's a kind of very complicated raytracing or complicated convolution with dynamic parameters.

Edited April 4, 2016 by Yo-Yo

[Reflected]

I see what you mean Yo-yo, it must be a very difficult job to render that complex sound, even with real life sound samples.

 

What I noticed is that the echo of the fly-bys and all the overtones sound very convincing. but there is a not so complex "moan" in the middle of the sound spectrum that stands out. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the way DCS is rendering engine sounds, si I can't really tell which one it is. It's that ZZZZHHHH sound that seems out of place (I believe the Russian character for it is the one that looks like a spider ;) )

 

 

I wish I could be more helpful, but I can only tell you what I hear.

[Kurfürst]

I see what you mean Yo-yo, it must be a very difficult job to render that complex sound, even with real life sound samples.

 

Wouldn't be all that difficult if Sound Blaster and to a lesser extent, Microsoft's development of Windows sound API-s would have not killed off the only viable 3d sound API 15 years ago... Integrated on-board "sound cards" did the rest. Currently there is no seriously supported PC 3d sound hardware, or software for that matter. What is out there is a joke.

 

Now, AMD has something that is somewhat similar with its True Audio but its AMD exclusive only and probably end up just as bad since nvidia/intel dominates the market.

[Weta43]

Weird eh ?

cause though I've only ever heard the real thing a couple of times, I thought it sounded surprisingly real & really brought back those memories...

[Solty]

[ame]

[/ame]

[Yo-Yo]

Waiting for the winner of the blind audition test... have to balloon this thread up.:-)

[Reflected]

I listened to Solty's video and then to the DCS Spit.

 

In Solty's video the sound is made of a deep roar and some rattling trebles. In the DCS Spit there is an unnatural sound of a speed motorbike that is dominating the spectrum. There is no bottom roar and the trebles are very thin and homogeneous, not rattling. I hope this made sense.

[Combat Wombat]

As long as We get the pop pop pop when you pull a hot Merlin engine back to idle when landing Ill be happy )

[westr]

The video is set to private does anybody have another link to it?

 

The one silverdragon posted.

Edited April 4, 2016 by westr

[NineLine]

I listened to Solty's video and then to the DCS Spit.

 

In Solty's video the sound is made of a deep roar and some rattling trebles. In the DCS Spit there is an unnatural sound of a speed motorbike that is dominating the spectrum. There is no bottom roar and the trebles are very thin and homogeneous, not rattling. I hope this made sense.

 

How was Solty's youtube vid recorded?

[Reflected]

How was Solty's youtube vid recorded?

 

Different cameras and phones I guess. Mind you, I heard many Spitfires at airshows and those videos represent the main characteristics of the Merlin sound quite well.

[NineLine]

I listened to Yo-Yo's vid the first time with headphones, the sound was the first thing that hit me, I was pretty happy with how distinctive it sounded. I assume its BTD at work again, he does some fine work.

 

Sound its like colour though, it can be perceived differently by each individual. Its a personal thing for sure, and this is proven in the fact that this same discussion comes up with most every WWII module, and I assume it will every time.

[SlipBall]

I've never heard a real Merlin engine so as to make an comparison, but Yo-Yo's video did sound real good to me too.

[klem]

Different cameras and phones I guess. Mind you, I heard many Spitfires at airshows and those videos represent the main characteristics of the Merlin sound quite well.

 

Yes, I agree. I've heard them many, many times. The video (now removed) wasn't bad but it needs a bit of tweaking. It's just a little too mellow. It lacks a slightly harsh undertone, an almost melodic note among the roar as it goes by and a bit of a rasp as it goes away.

 

btw I used my Medusa headphones.

[flare2000x]

Hard to compare now since the video has been removed . . .

[Sporg]

Hard to compare now since the video has been removed . . .

Yes, and just want to add, I think it's a pity.

 

I thought it was a quite nice video, and liked the sound as well, even if maybe not fully finished.

[NineLine]

It was just a tease, I am sure there will be more to come soon.

[TwilightZone]

........looking forward to the progress reports.......brite future ahead:thumbup:

[BlackLion213]

Sound its like colour though, it can be perceived differently by each individual. Its a personal thing for sure, and this is proven in the fact that this same discussion comes up with most every WWII module, and I assume it will every time.

 

Not to mention the fact that many are comparing in-cockpit sounds to exterior sounds, which could be very different.

 

And like you said, since these things are very individualistic - there is no true correct or incorrect IMHO.

 

-Nick

[Random]

I'm yet to hear in-sim sounds that do justice to any real aircraft...

 

I live in hope though!

 

We will always have the problem of trying to replicate a sound produced by something with a LOT of energy with tiny little speakers.... Thats got to be part of it hasn't it?

[Reflected]

Not to mention the fact that many are comparing in-cockpit sounds to exterior sounds, which could be very different.

 

And like you said, since these things are very individualistic - there is no true correct or incorrect IMHO.

 

-Nick

 

 

I was comparing real life flyby sounds to external flyby sounds in DCS. And yes, there are sims that have done a much better job at reproducing the Spitfire's sound - RealAir, A2A, CloD...

 

The "different speakers" argument is moot, because I heard those sounds on the very same sound system that I used for this one. It's not like the sound system is inadequate for one sim, and works fine in another.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing ED, and I will buy the Spit the first day it's available. I'm just saying that the sound of it (and the P-51 and the 109) is not up to the standards set by the other features of these modules.

[BIGNEWY]

I was comparing real life flyby sounds to external flyby sounds in DCS. And yes, there are sims that have done a much better job at reproducing the Spitfire's sound - RealAir, A2A, CloD...

 

The "different speakers" argument is moot, because I heard those sounds on the very same sound system that I used for this one. It's not like the sound system is inadequate for one sim, and works fine in another.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing ED, and I will buy the Spit the first day it's available. I'm just saying that the sound of it (and the P-51 and the 109) is not up to the standards set by the other features of these modules.

 

In your opinion, which is subjective, and moot until the aircraft is released.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying your opinion is wrong, just that it is only one opinion.

Edited April 5, 2016 by BIGNEWY

[NeilWillis]

Absolutely BIGNEWY. All the comments are just our opinions, and I wouldn't hesitate in buying the Spitfire.

 

Sound is not exactly a killer, but for an icon like the Spitfire, with such a distinctive sound signature, it is something that needs to be as accurate as it can be, as I am sure ED are very aware.

 

If it comes close to the standards of realism and immersion set in the L-39, then we're in for a treat.